Lots planned for 50th queen of the land
A fantastic programme of events is planned for this year’s FBD Queen of the Land festival, which runs from November 7-9 next.
The 50th festival was officially launched in the Bridge House Hotel last Friday, October 17. It will see 28 Queens, including a representative from Scotland, competing for the overall title, and is expected to attract visitors from all over the country.
Founded in 1964, the Queen of the Land festival has gone from strength to strength since then.
“We have pulled out all the stops to ensure that the 2014 FBD Queen of the Land festival is the best yet with a superb line-up of activities and entertainment for the 50th anniversary,” committee chair Ger Mahon said. “You won’t be disappointed.”
Judges of this year’s festival are reigning Queen of the Land Geraldine Barrett, FBD’s Alan Geraghty, 1989 Queen of the Land winner Anna Marie McHugh and former Macra president Alan Jagoe. MC for the weekend will be TV3 weather present Deric Hartigan.
Speaking at the launch committee chairman Ger Mahon welcomed FBD’s continuing support for the festival, and welcomed new media partners Midlands 103 on board.
The weekend will begin with a vintage car parade through Tullamore before an official opening ceremony in O’Connor Square on the evening of November 7. That will be followed by a gala banquet honouring past winners in the Bridge House Hotel, before music by Declan Nerney.
Saturday will include children’s entertainment, a tug of war, music on Bridge Street by Abbey Folk, interviews with the Queens and music by Transmitter, Ruaile Buaile and Rock on Paddy.
Sunday will include entertainment in the Bridge Shopping Centre, official photographs, a gala banquet, music by Fiesta and the official crowning of the 2014 Queen of the Land at midnight.
More information is available at www.queenofthelandfestival.com.